In 1975, Gene Oliver and his Leadership St. Pete (LSP) graduate friends agreed that there should be a way to keep LSP graduates in communication and formed the Leadership St. Pete Alumni Association (LSPAA) as an independent 501(c) 3 organization.  Gene Oliver served as President from 1975-1977.

In 1985 then President Roy Harrell approached the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and requested that LSPAA come under the umbrella of the Chamber.  Since the Chamber managed the Leadership St. Pete program, the Chamber's Board approved.  This affiliation evolved until 2002 when the Alumni Association split away.  The Chamber continued to provide some limited assistance to LSPAA and assigned a Chamber staff member as a liaison.

At its beginning, the Alumni Association was driven and staffed by the volunteer President of the Alumni Board and his/her assistant. The activities varied from year to year due to the extent the President could be involved. 

In 1985 then President Roy Harrell approached the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and requested that LSPAA come under the umbrella of the Chamber.  Since the Chamber managed the Leadership St. Pete program, the Chamber's Board approved.  This affiliation evolved until 2002 when the Alumni Association split away.  The Chamber continued to provide some limited assistance to LSPAA and assigned a Chamber staff member as a liaison.

In the late 80's, LSPAA agreed to begin an executive series program and FOCUS St. Pete was born.  The LSP Alumni Association and the Chamber co-manage Focus St. Pete, which is a “mini” Leadership program designed for new executives in the community.  The seminars include sessions on the arts, education, government, social services, environment, history of St. Petersburg, and community development.  Many FOCUS presenters are graduates of the LSP program and many FOCUS participants go on to complete the Leadership St. Pete program.

Other LSPAA functions include the First Friday Forum, which is once-a-month topical program available to interested LSPAA members, several Alumni Socials throughout the year, and the Outstanding Alumnus and Community Leadership Awards.  These annual awards are presented to a LSP graduate and a non-alumnus recognizing outstanding individual leadership efforts.

In 2008, LSPAA launched a new website, www.LSPAA.com  as a way to promote Leadership St. Pete and alumni programs and to communicate with and notify LSP graduates of opportunities to keep involved with each other and in the community.

In 2009, LSPAA signed a service level agreement with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership to provide access to administrative functions and for mutual support.